Severus woke much earlier than he would have preferred, considering the events of the previous day. The Dark Lord would need to be advised of the attack on Draco as soon as possible. Snape knew that there was a very good chance that he'd already been told, but he didn't want to be accused of hiding information. He'd also need to spin the situation in the best possible light.

He was no fool. He knew that at this moment Draco's life hung by a mere thread. He also knew that he could very well be handing the Dark Lord the scissors to snip it completely. There was nothing for it though. The news needed to be relayed, and he had to be the one to do it. It was the boy and his family's best chance at survival.

Snape walked through the doors of Malfoy Manor with a confidence the he didn't feel. He was almost immediately beset by Narcissa. So, word had reached Voldemort, he thought. The woman looked beyond frail and practically threw herself into his arms.

"My son? My son?" she begged looking up to him with such devastating desperation.

"He lives, Cissa," she slumped into his arms as if fear alone had kept her aloft thus far. He scooped the woman up easily and brought her into a nearby sitting room. He carefully lay her on a chaise and called for an elf to bring tea. Snape knelt beside the witch. She had somehow gotten thinner since their last meeting. Her skin looked paper thin and there were dark bruises under her eyes. "Cissa," he said softly as he patted the woman's hand. "Cissa, I need you to wake up for me."

She roused after a few moments looking around her in confusion. "You fainted," the wizard said gently.

Narcissa tried to stand but almost instantly fell. "Stay seated, Cissa. Please. I've called for tea. It will be here shortly. Just sit. Rest yourself," he cooed.

"I apologize, Severus. I don't know what's come over me," she said sheepishly.

"You are under enormous strain. You need to take care of yourself. When was the last time you ate?" he asked.

"I'm not a child, Severus. You don't need to mother me," she chided.

"No, you are not, but that doesn't mean that I can't worry over you," he said with a small smile. The elf popped back with a tea service. Snape was glad to see that the elf also brought an assortment of finger sandwiches and pastries.

"Worry over Draco," she replied. "Not me. He's the only one that matters now."

The potions master sighed. "Draco is well or well enough. What news has made it here?" he questioned.

"Very little other than he was attacked by Potter, and that it was vicious," she said with anger. "Potter won't be charged, will he? He won't be expelled, won't even be punished."

"I honestly don't know. My focus has been entirely on your son. Although, I wouldn't expect anything close to justice being done," he paused for a moment. Then took a deep breath "The spell that he used was one of my own. I'm so sorry, Cissa. I didn't know the boy had gotten ahold of one of my old textbooks."

"Which one?" she asked. "Which spell did he use?"

"Sectumsempra," he answered.

Narcissa gasped. "How bad?"

"Quite," he responded gravely. "The spell hit him in the chest. We were able to save him. He'll wear the scars for the rest of his life, but he'll make a full recovery in time."

"How much time?" the witch asked alarmed.

"It's uncertain. A few weeks perhaps," he answered.

"He doesn't have that kind of time, Severus. What are we going to do?" she asked frantically. "I can't lose him, I can't."

"And you won't," Severus said calmly, uncertain as to whether or not he'd just lied to her. "I'm here to apprise the Dark Lord. I'll assure him that Draco's plan is still on track, despite his injuries."

"How could you know that?" she questioned. "Has he spoken to you?"

"I'm afraid not, but I spoke to his 'study partner' last night. They will continue what he started. They have committed to seeing the project complete, regardless of the results," he explained.

"Regardless of the results? Do they know?" she asked suspiciously.

"No, but I do not doubt their commitment," he replied.

Narcissa brought her hand to her heart. "Please tell them that I shall be eternally grateful for the aid they gave my son," she said solemnly.

Severus nodded. "There is one more thing. Your niece is aware that Draco is marked."

"What? How? Andromeda's girl, the auror," the witch gasped.

"She has agreed to keep his secret in the name of family. She assisted me in saving your boy. I think she can be trusted," he admitted.

"We can only hope," the woman whispered.

"I must go now. I have to speak to the Dark Lord. Stay here, drink your tea, have a bite to eat. I'll see you before I leave." With that the lanky man stood and left the room. Now he only needed to convince Voldemort to not kill his godson.

*S*S*S*S*S*S*S*S*S*

Severus was beyond tired when he made it back to the castle. He'd earned Draco a temporary reprieve, but the Dark Lord was firm. Dumbledore needed to be dead before the end of term. He'd groveled and assured the mad man that the deed would be done.

As much as he wished to return to his bed, he climbed the stairs to Dumbledore's office. He needed to report his meeting and hear what, if anything, would be done with Potter. As he told Narcissa, he didn't imagine much would be done.

The headmaster looked about a weary as he did. "Ah, Severus. I knew you'd be by eventually. How is Tom?" he asked.

"Well, unfortunately," the other wizard groused which caused the older man to chuckle. Snape sighed, "I managed to get a reprieve for Draco. He has until the year to see you dead."

"Well, that will be easy enough to arrange with or without the boy's help," he jested which the potion master ignored.

"Granger told me she will continue on their "project" while Draco recovers. Hopefully, that won't put him behind in whatever plans he has," he explained.

"That's good. Miss Granger has been a great asset to us," Dumbledore mused.

The other wizard scowled. "An asset that we will lose should anyone find out she was instrumental in your demise," he sneered.

"Then we need to ensure that never happens. Be sure to impress on her that secrecy is top priority," he advised. "Miss Tonks came to see me yesterday. It seems as if you may have another ally in her. She seems willing to help despite the circumstances. That was a surprise. It wasn't something I thought the auror would do, but I will not turn down her offer to help."

"What exactly did you tell her, Albus," the potions master questioned.

"Very little. Only that I am aware of Draco's status as a death eater and his mission. I told her that I could not tell her what it was, but that the boy must succeed at all costs. She will help keep Harry away should he remain a problem after yesterday," he said.

"Ah yes, Potter. I take it that nothing will be done despite the fact that he attacked and almost killed another student," Severus spat at the man.

"Calm yourself, Severus. You know he cannot be expelled. It is safer for him here. He has been stripped as Quidditch coach and will be banned from playing at Hogwarts," Albus answered.

"Oh, so you grounded him in response to attempted murder. How charming. Was he sent to bed without dinner as well or did he only miss his dessert?" the other wizard sneered.

The headmaster sighed. "I did what I felt was right and appropriate given the circumstances. Go to your quarters, Severus, you're obviously tired. Miss Tonks and Mr. Shacklebolt have taken over your classes for today," he advised.

"I need to check on Draco. I need-" he started.

"You need sleep," Albus interrupted. "Poppy is seeing to Mr. Malfoy and will tell me if there is any change in his condition. Currently he is still unconscious. I will notify you if anything changes. Go rest."

Severus wanted to argue, but he was just so tired. He gave Albus a nod of acceptance and left for his rooms. He could no longer deny the weariness that had settled over him and could only focus on making it to his bed and finally sleeping.